Individuals planning to conduct any activity that may "take" a threatened or endangered species must obtain approval to perform that activity. The term “take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) allows NOAA Fisheries Service to issue permits for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of listed species.
To allow for processing time, and to ensure the timely issuance of a permit (should one be granted), individuals are urged to apply six to nine months before the proposed start of their activities. See links at left for application information, a summary of Section 10 scientific research applications available for public comment, and a list of scientific research contacts in the Northwest Region.
In addition to Section 10 permits, NOAA Fisheries Service may approve scientific research and monitoring activities under ESA Section 4(d). The agency can give researchers approval to take threatened (but not endangered) species under these “4(d) rules” for state programs and tribal plans if those programs and plans are determined to:
- not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery for the threatened species
- contribute to the conservation of the threatened species
- and adequately limit their adverse impacts.
See links at left for more information on this innovative approach to conserving threatened salmon and steelhead while conducting research and monitoring activities, and for a list of contacts in the Northwest Region.
NOTE: NOAA Fisheries Service Section 10 permits and the 4(d) research limit do NOT cover fishing permits/licenses. These can be obtained from the following offices:
